Withy Eyots
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Nipehsi / nîpisîy (Nehiyawak) willows differ essentially from the Poplars in having their catkin-scales unnotched, though hairy, and in the absence of the rudimentary perianth which characterizes the latter group. They have generally also narrower leaves, more erect catkins, and fewer stamens in each male flower. Though the flowers generally appear before the leaves, so that the abundant pollen may without obstruction be carried by the wind, they also secrete honey and are much frequented by bees. The male and female trees are often somewhat dissimilar, and hybrids (i.e. seedlings produced by the fertilization of the stigma of one species by the pollen of another) occur frequently, not only in withy-eyots (A willow or osier-island), but also in a truly wild state. Nîpisîskâw (Nehiyawak) refers to an area covered in willows, a willow grove or a willowy area, which usually is a wet habitat like riverbanks or low-lying areas. This and some other variation has caused many well-marked species to give rise to hundreds of puzzling forms. It will be remembered that Willows are "dioecious"(where there are both male and female); and this is the explanation of the children's distinction between "golden palms" and "silver pussy palms"- the former, though bearing at first a tuft of silvery down within the brown bud-scales, soon becoming studded with the yellow anthers, while the latter bear only the down-clad ovaries which resemble the grey fur of a cat. In Britain, there is a willow, named the Sallow, and is the first to flower, contributing to the "palm" for a March Easter. What is the willow in Canada which is the first to flower? In the afforestation areas? In the afforestation areas, there were Bebb's Willow trees planted as there was recognized the low lying areas and potential for flooding. There are also, native willows around the wetlands.  Willow; (Salix), ;Le saule [French le français]; Oziisigobiminzh / niibiziiyaatig / Papakoosigun [nahkawininiwaknakawē Plains Ojibway]; Li sool [Michif]; chârâziya [yankton and yanktonai Nakota / Stoney]. Bebb's willow, Beaked willow, long-beaked willow, gray willow; (Salix bebbiana); le Saule de Bebb [French le français]. Various ethnobotanical uses exist for willows such as the medicinal properties of salicylates (aspirin) and construction such as baskets, etc. As Vance Sanderson says; "mahti akwecihkemowin asice awiyak nahta asice oskihtepak. Please speak with a person who is professional with plants." Also please observe the City of Saskatoon bylaws and rules about plants in these city owned areas . . When you are out in the afforestation areas do you notice that the land is wetter and more prone to flooding around the willows? During years of high water table in the province of Saskatchewan, there are indeed Withy-eyots (willow islands) in the afforestation areas. Where have you seen them surrounded by the flood waters? There are some words in italics in the story. What do they mean? Some are botanical terms. Did you note that the definition of Nîpisîskâw not only contains the tree species, but also brings into play the habitat needed for that tree species to thrive? Do you believe that having in having a relationship fostering harmony with the environment will lead to mino pimatisiwin (Nehiyawak) living the good life? When out near the Nîpisîskâw areas of the afforestation areas, so you take time to show respect -Manâtisiwin to the land? Do you also share the respect for one another whom you meet in the afforestation areas, manâhcihitowin? One way may be to extend a greeting such as tānisi, hello, or bonjour. Do you agree with the Cree proverb, "sákihitók mina wicíhitók" "Love one another and help one another." Why or why not? Do you notice if the willows in the spring have yellow anthers, or grey? (Look at the color of the catkins.) People are perhaps more familiar with the pussy-willow fuzzy catkin as one of the first signs of spring. Which of the catkin colors are female, and which male? Folks are familiar with the low growing willow bushes growing along the river bank. In the painting of a Willow tree by Vincent Van Gough, he captures the unique direction of the smaller long branches aiming straight upwards. Have you seen the larger willow trees of the afforestation areas, with the small branches growing long, slender and straight as can be - rising upward? Have you drawn or painted a picture of a willow tree? a willow bush? a willow leaf? There are several species of willows in the afforestation areas. Have you noted where the riverine "smaller bush" type willows are located, and where the willow trees are situated? Did you notice that the willow trees have created a micro-habitat in the George Genereux Urban Regional Park, welcoming and beckoning unique wildlife coming to that ecosystem? What birds and animals like those willows for their homes? What about the smaller bush riverine willows and the homes they create around the Richard St. Barbe Baker West Swale wetlands? There is a permanent wetlands in the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area and temporary wetlands in both afforestation areas. Do the different types of wetlands provide habitats for different types of plants and animals? Prairie Forest Virtual App Programming by Prairie Forest Guide Development Team Graduate Computer Systems Technology students Saskatchewan Polytechnic under Instructor Wade Lahoda Prairie Forest Guide Development Team Special thanks to the Saskatchewan Polytechnic graduates that created this app.
Interpretive contributions by G.S. Boulger, Maria M'Lot and the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. To submit interpretive stories to the editor, Contact friendsafforestation@gmail.com Support through Canada Helps or Patreon  |